2012 NHL All-Star Weekend

Yesterday marked the end of the 2012 All-Star festivities, as Team Chara defeated Team Alfredsson 12-9 in the All-Star game. I have to say, despite not being a fan of this event, it was actually a pretty decent event and I found myself watching EVERY event for the first time in a few years. I was extremely impressed with how well host city Ottawa put on the event, it was fantastic. They even got Drake, one of the biggest Canadian stars to sing at the game. I admit it, I was cheering for Team Chara.


So lets look at the most memorable moments from the entire weekend;
Let's start with the MVP of the 2012 All-Star Game; Daniel Alfredsson, oh wait Alfredsson wasn't MVP? Why the heck not! It was hosted in Ottawa, he is the Ottawa Senators captain, home town favorite, cheered at every event, scored 2 goals, and had the fans chanting his name for the selection of the MVP. But the people who make these decisions, for some stupid reason gave it to someone else. Marian Gaborik was the official MVP from the game, and if this was a regular game, he deserved it. He  recorded a hat trick and added an assist to give him a 4 point game. But this wasn't a regular game and the stats don't count, which is why Alfredsson should have been named MVP. Gaborik's first goal came  4:30 into the first period, that saw him "mock shoot" Rangers teammate Henrik Lundqvist. Gaborik had a fantastic game, and perhaps even saved the game for team Chara, who barely squeaked out a 12-9 win.
At least the fans got the right MVP.

How about the antics of the always lively Scott Hartnell. Considering Hartnell was there to replace Jonathan Toews, he had a pretty great time I'd say. Here's something I didn't know he was doing; for every time Hartnell fell during the All-Star game, he donated $1000 to charity. Hartnell ended up falling 4 times, for a total of $4000. Hartnell definitely had the most fun, chirping everyone in sight, getting a chance to play with the Sedin twins (he still can't tell them apart), became an honouree Sedin triplet, threw a body check, and just flat out had a fantastic time. That's what the All-Star event is all about, yes its supposed to be a fun event for the fans, but it is truly important that the players actually have a good time, or they'll stop coming. Hartnell said he'd love to come again.


So going into the game did anyone expect to see a penalty shot? Well considering there had been a total of 1 in the 58 previous events, I didn't. But in the first period a penalty shot was indeed awarded as Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf hauled down the Lightning's Steven Stamkos. The high scoring highlight reel  Stamkos was awarded only the second penalty shot in All-Star game history. Unfortunately Stamkos was unable to convert on his penalty shot. He came in and pulled off a spin-o-rama, but Red Wings goalie Jimmie Howard did not bite, and stopped Stamkos.


The night prior to the game was the Skills competition, and Carey Price. Now those of you who read regularly know I'm not normally a fan of Carey Price and his antics/attitude but it really seems like he's matured and finally ready for his NHL role. But anyways back on topic, Price was mic'd up during the competition and did not disappoint; guessing players shots, and thinking of new ways to entertain fans. His best move was "Tebowing" in an attempt to stop a breakaway. He even turned around backwards to stop a breakaway, taking the breakaway while skating backwards and making the save while facing the glass. Doing his best to keep the even exciting and unpredictable.


Sticking with the breakaway skill, we'll move on to Corey Perry and his Mini Stick goal! This was fantastic and easily could have been the wining move, if it had not been for "superman" Patrick Kane. Perry skated to the top of the face off circle, abruptly stopped and threw away his stick and gloves and lifted up his jersey in an "excuse me while I whip this out moment." Right there I believe a few eyes opened in surprise as no one new what was coming next, even I was a bit surprised/curious. He then put everyone at ease, by pulling out a mini-goalie stick and skated in to take a shot with the souvenir goalie stick, heck he even scored!


We'll end this blog with one of the two captains breaking a skills event record, that he himself set earlier at another all-star event. Zdeno Chara broke his own record in the hardest shot competition he previously set in 2009 of 105.4 MPH. He shattered that record with a 108.8 MPH blast! I would not want to be in charge of blocking that shot! Even teammate Tyler Seguin said "that right there is why I don't stand in front of the net". Chara originally became the recipient of the hardest shot recognition in 2007 when he hit 100.7 MPH. Who knows will Chara beat his latest record breaking hardest shot in coming years?


All in all it was a pretty decent All-Star weekend, the draft was pretty entertaining, the skills competition had some amusement and what not, and Team Chara won the actual game! Thank you Ottawa for hosting a fantastic all star weekend; We're off to Columbus for the 2013 NHL All-Star game, who knows maybe I'll even hit up the event personally and give you guys a fans perspective from an in person stand point. 

2012 NHL All-Star Weekend

Yesterday marked the end of the 2012 All-Star festivities, as Team Chara defeated Team Alfredsson 12-9 in the All-Star game. I have to say, despite not being a fan of this event, it was actually a pretty decent event and I found myself watching EVERY event for the first time in a few years. I was extremely impressed with how well host city Ottawa put on the event, it was fantastic. They even got Drake, one of the biggest Canadian stars to sing at the game. I admit it, I was cheering for Team Chara.


So lets look at the most memorable moments from the entire weekend;
Let's start with the MVP of the 2012 All-Star Game; Daniel Alfredsson, oh wait Alfredsson wasn't MVP? Why the heck not! It was hosted in Ottawa, he is the Ottawa Senators captain, home town favorite, cheered at every event, scored 2 goals, and had the fans chanting his name for the selection of the MVP. But the people who make these decisions, for some stupid reason gave it to someone else. Marian Gaborik was the official MVP from the game, and if this was a regular game, he deserved it. He  recorded a hat trick and added an assist to give him a 4 point game. But this wasn't a regular game and the stats don't count, which is why Alfredsson should have been named MVP. Gaborik's first goal came  4:30 into the first period, that saw him "mock shoot" Rangers teammate Henrik Lundqvist. Gaborik had a fantastic game, and perhaps even saved the game for team Chara, who barely squeaked out a 12-9 win.
At least the fans got the right MVP.

How about the antics of the always lively Scott Hartnell. Considering Hartnell was there to replace Jonathan Toews, he had a pretty great time I'd say. Here's something I didn't know he was doing; for every time Hartnell fell during the All-Star game, he donated $1000 to charity. Hartnell ended up falling 4 times, for a total of $4000. Hartnell definitely had the most fun, chirping everyone in sight, getting a chance to play with the Sedin twins (he still can't tell them apart), became an honouree Sedin triplet, threw a body check, and just flat out had a fantastic time. That's what the All-Star event is all about, yes its supposed to be a fun event for the fans, but it is truly important that the players actually have a good time, or they'll stop coming. Hartnell said he'd love to come again.


So going into the game did anyone expect to see a penalty shot? Well considering there had been a total of 1 in the 58 previous events, I didn't. But in the first period a penalty shot was indeed awarded as Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf hauled down the Lightning's Steven Stamkos. The high scoring highlight reel  Stamkos was awarded only the second penalty shot in All-Star game history. Unfortunately Stamkos was unable to convert on his penalty shot. He came in and pulled off a spin-o-rama, but Red Wings goalie Jimmie Howard did not bite, and stopped Stamkos.


The night prior to the game was the Skills competition, and Carey Price. Now those of you who read regularly know I'm not normally a fan of Carey Price and his antics/attitude but it really seems like he's matured and finally ready for his NHL role. But anyways back on topic, Price was mic'd up during the competition and did not disappoint; guessing players shots, and thinking of new ways to entertain fans. His best move was "Tebowing" in an attempt to stop a breakaway. He even turned around backwards to stop a breakaway, taking the breakaway while skating backwards and making the save while facing the glass. Doing his best to keep the even exciting and unpredictable.


Sticking with the breakaway skill, we'll move on to Corey Perry and his Mini Stick goal! This was fantastic and easily could have been the wining move, if it had not been for "superman" Patrick Kane. Perry skated to the top of the face off circle, abruptly stopped and threw away his stick and gloves and lifted up his jersey in an "excuse me while I whip this out moment." Right there I believe a few eyes opened in surprise as no one new what was coming next, even I was a bit surprised/curious. He then put everyone at ease, by pulling out a mini-goalie stick and skated in to take a shot with the souvenir goalie stick, heck he even scored!


We'll end this blog with one of the two captains breaking a skills event record, that he himself set earlier at another all-star event. Zdeno Chara broke his own record in the hardest shot competition he previously set in 2009 of 105.4 MPH. He shattered that record with a 108.8 MPH blast! I would not want to be in charge of blocking that shot! Even teammate Tyler Seguin said "that right there is why I don't stand in front of the net". Chara originally became the recipient of the hardest shot recognition in 2007 when he hit 100.7 MPH. Who knows will Chara beat his latest record breaking hardest shot in coming years?


All in all it was a pretty decent All-Star weekend, the draft was pretty entertaining, the skills competition had some amusement and what not, and Team Chara won the actual game! Thank you Ottawa for hosting a fantastic all star weekend; We're off to Columbus for the 2013 NHL All-Star game, who knows maybe I'll even hit up the event personally and give you guys a fans perspective from an in person stand point. 

2012 All Star Draft

Now before I dive into this blog post, you should know that I am not a fan of the All-Star game, nor this new way of drafting players. So there may or may not be some All-Star game/draft bashing included in this blog. So last night was the 2nd annual All-Star fantasy player draft, a new concept the NHL came up with to help keep the fans interest in the All-Star game.


Here's what we learned from the 2nd annual All-Star draft; many NHL players need a translator as their English is atrocious. The Toronto/Ottawa rivalry is alive as ever; as each time Toronto Maple Leafs forward and assistant captain for the All-Star Game Joffrey Lupul went to make his selection, he was welcomed with a chorus of boo's. Not to mention the "Leafs Suck" chants that broke out. The fact that a stupid and hopefully drunk fan yelled out "pick Wade Belak", really was disgusting and classless. Ottawa Senator Jason Spezza, literally never stops talking and should seriously consider a career in TV, you know if this whole "hockey player" thing doesn't work out for him. That A rivalriy can not be forgotten for even one night; Zdeno Chara did not pick a Vancouver Canuck, instead picking his two Bruin teammates; Tim Thomas and Tyler Seguin. While Daniel Alfredsson didn't pick any Leaf players, instead opting to pick his Senators teammates; Jason Spezza, Milan Michalek, and Eric Karlsson.


Surprises; The first major surprise came right off the bat, with the first overall pick; Chara won the puck flip and was awarded first pick, and instead of selecting teammate Tim Thomas, he choose the veteran Pavel Datsyuk. Now people are saying this shouldn't be a surprise for people, as Datsyuk is one of the most respected players in the league, noted for playing the game the right way. It was clear that both captains had Datsyuk in mind, as Alfredsson even commented on how worthy Datsyuk was to have gone first. But to me it came as a surprise, Datsyuk wasn't even on my radar for the number 1 pick; I thought Thomas or Malkin, or Stamkos would have been first. But Datsyuk as good and respected as he is, is one of those players that fly under the radar, when you think of the best players in the league you automatically say Ovechkin or Crosby (ironically neither were present at this years all-star festivities). But Datsyuk is always near the top in points, has won 2 Frank Selke trophies, 4 Lady Byng trophies, a Khalamov trophy and 2 Stanley Cups. So Props to Chara for thinking outside the box with his first overall pick and not wasting it, I couldn't think of a player who deserves the honour more.


Second surprise was Steven Stamkos didn't get picked in the top 10! I'm sorry But in what world do you let Steven Stamkos slide out of the top 10. The kid is natural goal scorer, a solid guy and a former 1st overall pick! Not to mention he's leading the league with 32 goals, I can see you skipping out on him 3 or 4 times but I literally didn't see this one coming. I understand the hometown and country biasis, but I'm dumbfounded by Stamkos going so low. I expect him to respond by having an amazing All-Star game; not that it matters!

How about Jimmy Howard being the last goaltender picked! Howard is well on his way to having a career year with the Red Wings. If going  30-11-1 with a 92.4 save percentage is what get's you taken last of the 6 all-star goalies, I'd hate to see what stats you'd need to go first, maybe a goal? Oh yeah the guy who got credit for a goal wasn't invited! Howard was even selected behind the struggling Carey Price who is having a season to forget; 17-17-8 with a 91.4 save percentage. This was pretty much a slap in the face for Jimmy Howard. Hopefully much like Phil Kessel did, Howard can use this as motivation and continue dominating the league, win a Stanley cup, invite Price to the party and ask if he wants a picture with the cup, since he'll never actually win one himself.
Marian Gaborik another highly skilled forward fails to crack the top 10, heck Gaborik failed to crack the top 20! Gaborik went 31st overall, and his own teammate was an assistant captain for team Alferdsson, talk about a slap in the face! Even Lupul protested his boy Phil Kessel. Gaborik is 6th in the league in scoring with 25 goals and 39 points, pretty decent numbers, considering his own teammate Henrik Lundqvist wouldn't stand up for him, expect Gaborik to pot a few past his teammate during the game. Not to mention after being picked by team Chara, Gaborik went to the wrong team, he got his jersey and went to the Team Alfredsson side by mistake. He said he just wanted to keep things interesting.
It appeared that neither team really wanted to pick the Sedin twins, Chara basically made it clear that no Canuck players would be on his roster, so it was almost a done deal that Alfredsson would receive the last two Art Ross winners, but boy did the twins have to wait! Daniel Sedin was taken 18th overall by Alfredsson while brother Henrik had to wait till the 26th pick. As expected both Sedins ended up on Alfredsson's team; could we see a Sedin-Alfredsson-Sedin line come Sunday?
Selecting Seguin late was a bit of a surprise, but also a very stratigic logical move by Chara; despite letting his teammate wait until the final 4, it allowed Chara to take some of the players he wanted, knowing that Alfredsson wouldn't snatch up Seguin. Now all be it Seguin didn't exactly deserve his fate, with the amazing numbers he's put up; 43 points in 46 games and a +34. So it worked out perfectly for Chara, he played Alfredsson perfectly, snatching up some of the other players he wanted and still getting his teammate. The two even hugged it out at the end.

I was very happy to see that Alfredsson saved Jason Pominville from being one of the last picks. It was well documented that Pominville didn't have any friends with either captain or their assistants, so we new he was unlikely to get picked very high. And indeed Pominville was made to wait till the final 4, and ended up being the 3rd last pick in the draft, by Alfredsson. I was very impressed with the pre-pick speech given by Alfredsson, saying that "he had a lot of respect for Pominville". I had a feeling Pominville would be last or second last, not because he deserved it but rather because he had no rather neutural allias. But Alfredsson spared Pominville and the Sabres from once again being the laughingstock of the league.

San Jose Shark Forward Logan Couture had the honour of being the last pick, and winning a brand new car! (although the could have come up with a better car, than a soccer moms car). But Couture handled it with class. "I had fun with it, you can't take it personally" was Couture's response. Good on the kid, following Phil Kessel's model of not caring. It's a joke and something "fun" it sucks for the last player, but it's nothing serious and you really can't dwell on it. Couture will also get to donate $20,000 to a charity of his choice; "Being a young guy here for the first time, playing on the West Coast, it was something I knew was a possibility. I just wanted to have a good time with it, and I did." Good on Couture for not being upset, or having his ego bruised! It's more than a little ridicoulous the way the NHL has set it up, having 2 captains, that can and will pick teammates and their favorite players first, leaving one player the last man standing to be made a mockery and bunt of all jokes for the next year. I know it's something the fans suppossodely like and brings more interaction and interest, but I'm not a fan of it.


But the teams are set, we saw the first and last picks, now all thats left to determine is who will come out on top after Sunday's game. Will not having Ovechkin or Crosby at the game effect the ratings?
We can only watch and see! Good luck to both teams!

Here's a complete list of the rostors;
Team Alfredsson

• Daniel Alfredsson (C), RW, Senators


• Henrik Lundqvist (A), G, Rangers


• 1. Erik Karlsson, D, Senators


• 2. Jason Spezza, C, Senators


• 3. Jonathan Quick, G, Kings


• 4. Claude Giroux, C, Flyers


• 5. Kris Letang, D, Penguins


• 6. Steven Stamkos, C, Lightning


• 7. Brian Elliott, G, Blues


• 8. Shea Weber, D, Predators


• 9. Daniel Sedin, LW, Canucks


• 10. Dan Girardi, D, Rangers


• 11. Keith Yandle, D, Coyotes


• 12. Milan Michalek, LW, Senators


• 13. Henrik Sedin, C, Canucks


• 14. James Neal, LW, Penguins


• 15. Alex Edler, D, Canucks


• 16. John Tavares, C, Islanders


• 17. Scott Hartnell, LW, Flyers


• 18. Jason Pominville, RW, Sabres


• 19. Logan Couture, C, Sharks

Team Chara

• Zdeno Chara (C), D, Bruins

 

• Joffrey Lupul (A), RW, Maple Leafs


• 1. Pavel Datsyuk, C, Red Wings


• 2. Tim Thomas, G, Bruins


• 3. Evgeni Malkin, C, Penguins


• 4. Marian Hossa, RW, Blackhawks


• 5. Kimmo Timonen, D, Flyers


• 6. Corey Perry, RW, Ducks


• 7. Carey Price, G, Canadiens


• 8. Phil Kessel, RW, Maple Leafs


• 9. Ryan Suter, D, Predators


• 10. Jimmy Howard, G, Red Wings


• 11. Brian Campbell, D, Panthers


• 12. Patrick Kane, RW, Blackhawks


• 13. Dion Phaneuf, D, Maple Leafs


• 14. Jarome Iginla, RW, Flames


• 15. Dennis Wideman, D, Capitals


• 16. Marian Gaborik, RW, Rangers


• 17. Jordan Eberle, RW, Oilers


• 18. Tyler Seguin, C, Bruins


• 19. Jamie Benn, LW, Stars

 

 

2012 All Star Draft

Now before I dive into this blog post, you should know that I am not a fan of the All-Star game, nor this new way of drafting players. So there may or may not be some All-Star game/draft bashing included in this blog. So last night was the 2nd annual All-Star fantasy player draft, a new concept the NHL came up with to help keep the fans interest in the All-Star game.


Here's what we learned from the 2nd annual All-Star draft; many NHL players need a translator as their English is atrocious. The Toronto/Ottawa rivalry is alive as ever; as each time Toronto Maple Leafs forward and assistant captain for the All-Star Game Joffrey Lupul went to make his selection, he was welcomed with a chorus of boo's. Not to mention the "Leafs Suck" chants that broke out. The fact that a stupid and hopefully drunk fan yelled out "pick Wade Belak", really was disgusting and classless. Ottawa Senator Jason Spezza, literally never stops talking and should seriously consider a career in TV, you know if this whole "hockey player" thing doesn't work out for him. That A rivalriy can not be forgotten for even one night; Zdeno Chara did not pick a Vancouver Canuck, instead picking his two Bruin teammates; Tim Thomas and Tyler Seguin. While Daniel Alfredsson didn't pick any Leaf players, instead opting to pick his Senators teammates; Jason Spezza, Milan Michalek, and Eric Karlsson.


Surprises; The first major surprise came right off the bat, with the first overall pick; Chara won the puck flip and was awarded first pick, and instead of selecting teammate Tim Thomas, he choose the veteran Pavel Datsyuk. Now people are saying this shouldn't be a surprise for people, as Datsyuk is one of the most respected players in the league, noted for playing the game the right way. It was clear that both captains had Datsyuk in mind, as Alfredsson even commented on how worthy Datsyuk was to have gone first. But to me it came as a surprise, Datsyuk wasn't even on my radar for the number 1 pick; I thought Thomas or Malkin, or Stamkos would have been first. But Datsyuk as good and respected as he is, is one of those players that fly under the radar, when you think of the best players in the league you automatically say Ovechkin or Crosby (ironically neither were present at this years all-star festivities). But Datsyuk is always near the top in points, has won 2 Frank Selke trophies, 4 Lady Byng trophies, a Khalamov trophy and 2 Stanley Cups. So Props to Chara for thinking outside the box with his first overall pick and not wasting it, I couldn't think of a player who deserves the honour more.


Second surprise was Steven Stamkos didn't get picked in the top 10! I'm sorry But in what world do you let Steven Stamkos slid out of the top 10. The kid is natural goal scorer, a solid guy and a former 1st overall pick! Not to mention he's leading the league with 32 goals, I can see you skipping out on him 3 or 4 times but I literally didn't see this one coming. I understand the hometown and country biasis, but I'm dumbfounded by Stamkos going so low. I expect him to respond by having an amazing All-Star game; not that it matters!

How about Jimmy Howard being the last goaltender picked! Howard is well on his way to having a career year with the Red Wings. If going  30-11-1 with a 92.4 save percentage is what get's you taken last of the 6 all-star goalies, I'd hate to see what stats you'd need to go first, maybe a goal? Oh yeah the guy who got credit for a goal wasn't invited! Howard was even selected behind the struggling Carey Price who is having a season to forget; 17-17-8 with a 91.4 save percentage. This was pretty much a slap in the face for Jimmy Howard. Hopefully much like Phil Kessel did, Howard can use this as motivation and continue dominating the league, win a Stanley cup, invite Price to the party and ask if he wants a picture with the cup, since he'll never actually win one himself.
Marian Gaborik another highly skilled forward fails to crack the top 10, heck Gaborik failed to crack the top 20! Gaborik went 31st overall, and his own teammate was an assistant captain for team Alferdsson, talk about a slap in the face! Even Lupul protested his boy Phil Kessel. Gaborik is 6th in the league in scoring with 25 goals and 39 points, pretty decent numbers, considering his own teammate Henrik Lundqvist wouldn't stand up for him, expect Gaborik to pot a few past his teammate during the game. Not to mention after being picked by team Chara, Gaborik went to the wrong team, he got his jersey and went to the Team Alfredsson side by mistake. He said he just wanted to keep things interesting.
It appeared that neither team really wanted to pick the Sedin twins, Chara basically made it clear that no Canuck players would be on his roster, so it was almost a done deal that Alfredsson would receive the last two Art Ross winners, but boy did the twins have to wait! Daniel Sedin was taken 18th overall by Alfredsson while brother Henrik had to wait till the 26th pick. As expected both Sedins ended up on Alfredsson's team; could we see a Sedin-Alfredsson-Sedin line come Sunday?
Selecting Seguin late was a bit of a surprise, but also a very stratigic logical move by Chara; despite letting his teammate wait until the final 4, it allowed Chara to take some of the players he wanted, knowing that Alfredsson wouldn't snatch up Seguin. Now all be it Seguin didn't exactly deserve his fate, with the amazing numbers he's put up; 43 points in 46 games and a +34. So it worked out perfectly for Chara, he played Alfredsson perfectly, snatching up some of the other players he wanted and still getting his teammate. The two even hugged it out at the end.

I was very happy to see that Alfredsson saved Jason Pominville from being one of the last picks. It was well documented that Pominville didn't have any friends with either captain or their assistants, so we new he was unlikely to get picked very high. And indeed Pominville was made to wait till the final 4, and ended up being the 3rd last pick in the draft, by Alfredsson. I was very impressed with the pre-pick speech given by Alfredsson, saying that "he had a lot of respect for Pominville". I had a feeling Pominville would be last or second last, not because he deserved it but rather because he had no rather neutural allias. But Alfredsson spared Pominville and the Sabres from once again being the laughingstock of the league.

San Jose Shark Forward Logan Couture had the honour of being the last pick, and winning a brand new car! (although the could have come up with a better car, than a soccer moms car). But Couture handled it with class. "I had fun with it, you can't take it personally" was Couture's response. Good on the kid, following Phil Kessel's model of not caring. It's a joke and something "fun" it sucks for the last player, but it's nothing serious and you really can't dwell on it. Couture will also get to donate $20,000 to a charity of his choice; "Being a young guy here for the first time, playing on the West Coast, it was something I knew was a possibility. I just wanted to have a good time with it, and I did." Good on Couture for not being upset, or having his ego bruised! It's more than a little ridicoulous the way the NHL has set it up, having 2 captains, that can and will pick teammates and their favorite players first, leaving one player the last man standing to be made a mockery and bunt of all jokes for the next year. I know it's something the fans suppossodely like and brings more interaction and interest, but I'm not a fan of it.


But the teams are set, we saw the first and last picks, now all thats left to determine is who will come out on top after Sunday's game. Will not having Ovechkin or Crosby at the game effect the ratings?
We can only watch and see! Good luck to both teams!

Here's a complete list of the rostors;
Team Alfredsson                                                                              

• Daniel Alfredsson (C), RW, Senators
• Henrik Lundqvist (A), G, Rangers
• 1. Erik Karlsson, D, Senators
• 2. Jason Spezza, C, Senators
• 3. Jonathan Quick, G, Kings
• 4. Claude Giroux, C, Flyers
• 5. Kris Letang, D, Penguins
• 6. Steven Stamkos, C, Lightning
• 7. Brian Elliott, G, Blues
• 8. Shea Weber, D, Predators
• 9. Daniel Sedin, LW, Canucks
• 10. Dan Girardi, D, Rangers
• 11. Keith Yandle, D, Coyotes
• 12. Milan Michalek, LW, Senators
• 13. Henrik Sedin, C, Canucks
• 14. James Neal, LW, Penguins
• 15. Alex Edler, D, Canucks
• 16. John Tavares, C, Islanders
• 17. Scott Hartnell, LW, Flyers
• 18. Jason Pominville, RW, Sabres
• 19. Logan Couture, C, Sharks

Team Chara

• Zdeno Chara (C), D, Bruins
• Joffrey Lupul (A), RW, Maple Leafs
• 1. Pavel Datsyuk, C, Red Wings
• 2. Tim Thomas, G, Bruins
• 3. Evgeni Malkin, C, Penguins
• 4. Marian Hossa, RW, Blackhawks
• 5. Kimmo Timonen, D, Flyers
• 6. Corey Perry, RW, Ducks
• 7. Carey Price, G, Canadiens
• 8. Phil Kessel, RW, Maple Leafs
• 9. Ryan Suter, D, Predators
• 10. Jimmy Howard, G, Red Wings
• 11. Brian Campbell, D, Panthers
• 12. Patrick Kane, RW, Blackhawks
• 13. Dion Phaneuf, D, Maple Leafs
• 14. Jarome Iginla, RW, Flames
• 15. Dennis Wideman, D, Capitals
• 16. Marian Gaborik, RW, Rangers
• 17. Jordan Eberle, RW, Oilers
• 18. Tyler Seguin, C, Bruins
• 19. Jamie Benn, LW, Stars

The Bozak Effect

Coming in to the 2011-2012 season the Leafs had it all figured out; they got their number 1 centre in free agency, when they acquired Tim Connolly. He seemed like he'd be a perfect fit to centre the first line, between Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul. With Connolly in tow, Tyler Bozak would likely find himself on the 3rd line. But, now that we're more than half way through the season it's Bozak centering the first line, and Connolly who finds himself centering the third line!


Even before Bozak even stepped on the ice to play a game, his name was all over the internet tied to trade rumours- the Leafs had too many centres with the new additions of David Steckel and Tim Connolly. And all be it, Steckel is known as a better face off man than Bozak. While Connolly, has some of the best hands in the league. This left Bozak as the odd centre out. But when the season started, the injury prone Connolly found himself injured once again, leaving an opening for the first line centre position. Cue Tyler Bozak, the 6 foot 1 25 year old, was given the opportunity to centre the top line. It's said that sometimes chemistry is more important than skill and there was almost instant chemistry between Lupul, Kessel and Bozak; Kessel started scoring in bunches and Lupul followed suit, they became one of top scoring duo's in the league, the Leafs started winning and everything was all good in Leafs land. But it seems to me that everyone forgets is the man behind this "dynamic duo"... Tyler Bozak.


Although Bozak hasn't had the same effect on the score board this season; only potting 7 goals. It's the little things he's doing that don't make the score sheet. He back checks, makes great first/ breakout passes, covers up when his line mates make mistakes, and perhaps most importantly his presence on the line has allowed Kessel and Lupul to play their game and be comfortable during games. If you look at the handful of games that Connolly centred Kessel, you see the lack of chemistry and trust. Kessel is not as comfortable having Connolly being his centre, something's just off between them, Kessel makes too many extra passes, and ultimately looks confused when he plays with Connolly. If you think about it, it makes sense. Look around the NHL and you'll see big name, big money players usually aren't on the same line; Crosby doesn't play with Malkin,  Toews and Kane no longer play together, Leino doesn't play on a line with Vanek. Players that get brought in for big money, and are asked to lead their teams, often clash with the current players. Kessel is the big name in T.O he doesn't like having Connolly on his line. So it makes sense that a no name like Bozak is centering the big name Kessel. But the unsung hero has seemed to gain the confidence of his head coach Ron Wilson; “(Bozak) has earned that position,” Wilson said. 

“When we started this season and were putting lines together, I thought Connolly would be the logical choice. But Bozie’s played so well when Timmy was with other guys. The chemistry has been better. “He’s been playing a 200-foot game and is closer in support positions defensively than last year. He was playing that well when he first came up (in 2009-10) and last year it kind of got away from him (a minus-29) when he was thinking about offence. It happens in a guy’s second year, his identity gets cloudy, but now he’s back to basics.” And that's just it, Bozak is playing simple hockey, he makes the smart easy passes that won't come back to bite him in the butt; Kessel and Lupul are enjoying a successful season and have amazing chemistry, but they often make too many passes which proves costly.

With Bozak playing on the top line between Lupul and Kessel, he is arguably having one of his best seasons, despite only 7 goals, he has 19 assists and 25 points in 35 games, and is on pace to have his first 50 point season. Not bad for a kid who was supposed to be long gone or centering the 3rd line. But still there are doubters, saying that the Leafs need a true number one centre if this team wants to make the playoffs, and to be honest I agree, but not this season. This season Bozak is right where he belongs centering the first line,  
so I don't recommend him being traded or moved to another line, if Bozak get's moved Kessel and Lupul with suffer. Remember Bozak missed 2 weeks with an injury, Kessel and Lupul went pointless in 3 games with Connolly filling in for Bozak. In another intresting move from Wilson; he split up the first line of Kessel, Bozak and Lupul; by moving Lupul to the third line, but kept Bozak on the first line. While splitting up his top line he kept Kessel and Bozak together, which speaks volumes to the chemistry between Bozak and Kessel, but also to the trust Wilson has in Bozak.

Right now the best thing for the Leafs is for Tyler Bozak to centre the first line between Lupul and Kessel. Keep one the league's top duo's performing and leading the Leafs and hopefully sending the team to the playoffs. Bozak has a way of making this Leafs team even better, the proof is in the pudding so to speak, without Bozak on the first line Kessel and Lupul's play drops off, and without those two performing the Leafs won't be winning games and stand a very good chance of missing the playoffs yet again. With Bozak possibly hitting 50 points this season, and being the unsung hero of the first line, it could result in a better trade at the end of the season, for a true number one centre for next season. With Bozak upping his play he could easily find himself on another teams top 6. But for now the formula for success this season goes through Tyler Bozak!